Today @ Colorado State has been replaced by SOURCE. This site exists as an archive of Today @ Colorado State stories between January 1, 2009 and September 8, 2014.

People

College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences welcomes new dean

July 2, 2012
by Carol Borchert

The College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences welcomes Dr. Mark Stetter to the role of dean, following the retirement of Dr. Lance Perryman, who had led the college for almost 11 years.

Dr. Stetter, who arrived on campus May 1, has spent the last two months meeting with faculty, staff and students; assisting with fundraising efforts; navigating his way around campus; and getting to know the lay-of-the-land at Colorado State University.

Getting to know college, campus

“In the short time that I have been here, I’ve been amazed by the diversity of our programs, the dedication of our people, and the fantastic opportunities we have ahead of us,” said Dr. Stetter. “Dr. Perryman has done an incredible job and laid the groundwork for our continued success. He’s made it a pleasure to step into the job of dean, and he’s been extraordinarily gracious and helpful in making this a smooth leadership transition.”

Dr. Stetter has met with department heads, research faculty and associate deans to learn more about the college, and to better understand the college's expansive programs in teaching, research and outreach; and to identify where some of the college’s greatest needs exist. In the weeks to come, he looks forward to expanding his outreach to CSU’s other colleges and deans, as well as to key collaborators in government and other academic institutions.

“My first priority has been to really get to know the college and its people so that I have an in-depth understanding of what our strengths are, where challenges lie, and how our resources are being allocated,” said Dr. Stetter. “I’ll continue to learn and discover more about Colorado State University and our college, but I’m also beginning to focus on bigger initiatives that will grow our programs and ensure we continue to be one of the finest colleges in the world.”

While it’s still dawn in his tenure as dean, Dr. Stetter said he does have a few big-picture priorities that will take shape early in strategic planning.

“Looking at Colorado State University, and the overall discussions around expanding the University’s undergraduate programs, as a college with a wide variety of science- and health-based programs, we want to ensure we can support these efforts through our own undergraduate programs,” said Dr. Stetter. “I also want to really elevate our efforts when we think about collaborations locally and internationally. We must build on existing relationships and develop new ones that will enhance and grow our efforts in teaching, research and service.”

Prior to coming to CSU, said Dr. Stetter, he had the unique opportunity to travel and observe the world through the eyes of not only a veterinarian, but as someone who cares deeply about “what we leave for our children.”

Passion is connecting animals, nature

“My personal passion is connecting people with animals and nature,” said Dr. Stetter. “This college does so much to help animals, help people, and help the planet. I’m really looking forward to see how we can develop new solutions to age-old problems. How are we going to feed a growing population without destroying the natural world? How are we going to ensure that we leave the planet a better place for our children?

“These are some of the larger issues that we as a college can address through the diversity of programs we have in place now, as well as innovative collaborations with peers who share our values and our passion to make a difference in the world.”

Dr. Stetter comes to CSU from the Disney Company where he was the Director of Animal Programs. He graduated with his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana in 1988 and then completed an internship in medicine and surgery at the Animal Medical Center in New York. From there, he served as Associate Veterinarian at the Audubon Zoo and the Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans.

Dr. Stetter then completed a residency in zoological medicine at the Bronx Zoo/Wildlife Conservation Society. He joined Disney as a staff veterinarian in 1997. He is a Diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine, and served as president of that organization. He is a recent member of the Wildlife Scientific Advisory Board for the Morris Animal Foundation and is founder and President of the Elephant Population Management Program.